Preservation Mirage will launch its architecture map of Rancho Mirage in mid-November. This map, the first of its kind for the city, includes homes, communities and sites that are of historic and/or architectural interest. It will enable residents and visitors to identify and enjoy the unique architectural treasures of the city. More than 50 locations are included, each one numerically referenced on the map with references explained with a photograph and brief description in the "legend" on the reverse side.
This first version of the map focuses on the architecture that can be easily located and seen from the street. Gated communities that contain significant architecture, such as Thunderbird Heights, are also indicated. The Preservation Mirage architecture map will be sent via U.S. mail to every resident of Rancho Mirage during the week of Nov. 15. The printed map unfolds from a manageable 11-inch-by-4.5-inch to 22-inch-by-17-inch, making it easy to read. A downloadable map will also be available for purchase (price: $5) online at preservationmirage.org.
Preservation Mirage is a registered non-profit, 501 (c)(3) organization, founded in 2018. The group’s mission is to educate the community and advocate for the preservation of important architecture in the City of Rancho Mirage.
Melissa Riche, founder and president, explains: “The map is designed to be a useful and informative tool, but it’s also a crucial step towards our goal to treasure and preserve important architecture and to help people better understand what they sometimes take for granted. While we couldn’t include everything, it’s a great starting point. We hope that the map will also raise awareness of our organization and increase our membership, which continues to be free.”
Board members of Preservation Mirage decided on the format and inclusions, as well as overseeing production and the map’s design, which was created by local designer David Dixon. All production costs have been met exclusively by Preservation Mirage, thanks to funds raised during Modernism Week events in Rancho Mirage in recent years. With in-person fundraising initiatives thwarted by the COVID pandemic, the organization is hoping to raise additional funds from online purchases and supportive donations from the community.
Since October 2020, Preservation Mirage has stayed connected with members via several free online "Preservation Sessions": regular talks on Rancho Mirage history and architecture by authors, historians and preservationists.
The November session will feature author and historian Steven Price, discussing the desert legacy of Johnny Dawson. December’s event will feature preservationist and local luminary Courtney Newman with a lighthearted look at the entertainment characters in the desert entitled "Showbiz Comes to the Desert." Preservation Mirage members can participate "live" by pre-registering via the invitation emailed to all members two weeks before each session. Once recorded, the sessions are available to view via the Preservation Mirage website.
To join Preservation Mirage, order a map, make a donation or find out more, visit the website at preservationmirage.org or email info@preservationmirage.org.